Story & Lesson Highlights with Dan Kabanko of Alpharetta, GA

Dan Kabanko shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Dan, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes — and not because of ego, but because of experience and accountability.

If I were a homeowner or property manager in Atlanta, I’d want an appliance repair company that values honesty, clear communication, and real diagnostics. That’s exactly how Atlanta City Appliance Repair was built.

I started this company as a founder, not an investor. With few appliances technicians that have 25+ years of hands-on experience, they repaired thousands of appliances across Atlanta, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Roswell, and surrounding areas. That experience means fewer guesswork repairs and more problems fixed correctly the first time.

When someone hires our company, they’re not hiring a faceless corporation — they’re hiring a local Atlanta-based business where my name and reputation are tied to every service call. That matters. It means showing up on time, explaining the issue clearly, and focusing on repair before replacement.

Would everyone hire me? Probably not. If someone is looking for the cheapest quick fix, we may not be the right fit. But if they want a reliable appliance repair company in Atlanta that values long-term solutions, professional service, and accountability, then yes — I would absolutely hire myself.

That’s exactly how I expect my company to operate in the city we serve.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dan Kabanko, the owner of Atlanta City Appliance Repair, Inc., a locally owned appliance repair company serving Atlanta and the North Atlanta area. At the core, my work is about helping local homeowners keep their homes running smoothly when essential appliances break down.

I start this business from an office and few partners that were in the field, working hands-on as an appliance technicians. Over the years, that experience has allowed me to build a company that homeowners can trust for honest diagnostics, reliable repairs, and clear communication. We service everyday appliances people rely on most — refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens, dishwashers, and more — and we focus on fixing problems the right way, not pushing unnecessary replacements.

What makes our brand different is that we’re truly local and owner-operated. When a homeowner calls us, they’re not dealing with a national chain or outsourced call center. My name and reputation are tied to every service visit, and that accountability shapes how we treat our customers’ homes, time, and budgets.

Today, I continue to grow Atlanta City Appliance Repair while staying closely involved in daily operations, improving service systems, and making sure our team delivers the same level of care I would expect in my own home. My goal is simple: to be the appliance repair company Atlanta homeowners feel confident calling again and recommending to their neighbors.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I learned the most about work by surrounding myself with wise, disciplined people — friends and mentors whose values and decisions I respected. Instead of trying to figure everything out alone, I paid close attention to how they approached responsibility, leadership, and long-term thinking, and I followed their lead.

Being around people who consistently showed up, kept their word, and thought beyond short-term wins had a big influence on how I work today. Their mindset shaped how I make decisions, build relationships, and run my business — especially when it comes to integrity, accountability, and consistency.

That influence continues to guide me, and I’m intentional about staying connected to people who challenge me to grow and raise my standards.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — there were definitely moments when I almost gave up.

The appliance repair industry is extremely competitive. You’re never the only company in the market, and you’re constantly fighting for visibility and new customers. Over the years, the challenges haven’t just been technical — they’ve been about survival and adaptation.

I’ve watched marketing change again and again: from newspapers and Yellow Pages, to Google and online advertising, and now to the newest challenge — AI-driven marketing and automation. Each shift forced me to relearn how to reach customers, and there were times when leads slowed down so much that I honestly wondered if I’d be able to keep the business going.

There were moments when it felt like no matter how hard I worked, new customers just weren’t coming in — and closing the business crossed my mind.

But every time that thought came up, I stepped back, rethought my strategy, and worked harder instead of quitting. I adjusted, learned, and pushed myself back into the game. That persistence is what kept the business alive and allowed it to grow.

Those moments didn’t break me — they sharpened me. They taught me that staying in business isn’t about avoiding challenges, it’s about getting back up every time the market changes.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the appliance repair industry is believing that good technical work alone is enough. Today, skill matters — but if customers can’t find you, it doesn’t matter how good you are.

Another lie is that customers only care about the lowest price. In reality, most homeowners value trust, clear communication, and confidence that the repair is done right.

Finally, many believe change is temporary. It isn’t. Marketing, technology, and customer behavior are always evolving, and the companies that survive are the ones willing to adapt instead of resisting it

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, absolutely. I give everything my best no matter what, because I’m doing it for myself and my family, not for praise or recognition. The work has to matter to me first.

Knowing that my effort directly affects my family’s future is enough motivation. Even when no one sees it or acknowledges it, I still show up and give my best — because that standard is personal, and I don’t compromise on it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://atlantaappliancesrepair.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantacityappliancerepair/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aar4049031453/
• Twitter: https://x.com/AAR4049031453
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantaAppliancesRepair4049031453
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/atlanta-city-appliance-repair-alpharetta
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AtlantaCityApplianceRepair
• Other: pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/AAR4049031453/

Image Credits
Taking by Dan Kabanko